Ukraine: Trump and Putin Speak, but No Peace in Sight

As peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow remain stalled, Donald Trump held a phone call with Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, June 4. The conversation was described by the U.S. president as “good,” yet “not one that will lead to immediate peace.” The 75-minute exchange focused largely on the intensifying conflict and recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian military targets.

On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated that the Russian president had “firmly” declared his intention to respond to the Ukrainian attacks, including those targeting Russian bombers. The Kremlin, for its part, called the discussion “positive and productive,” and said both leaders had agreed to stay in regular contact.

Peace Talks at a Standstill

The call comes amid renewed tensions on the Ukrainian front. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected Russia’s latest demands—including the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from four annexed regions, renunciation of NATO ambitions, and military downsizing—as unacceptable “ultimatums.” According to Zelensky, such conditions make further negotiations under the current Istanbul format meaningless.

Meanwhile, Moscow accused Kyiv of carrying out “terrorist” attacks on Russian territory, including rail sabotage on May 31 and June 1 that derailed three trains in border regions, killing seven and injuring over a hundred. President Putin also dismissed any notion of a broad ceasefire, arguing it would give Ukraine time to rearm with Western help.

Humanitarian Steps Despite Diplomatic Paralysis

Despite the diplomatic deadlock, some humanitarian gestures are moving forward. Kyiv and Moscow have agreed to a new prisoner exchange this weekend—500 from each side—following a similar swap of 1,000 prisoners each in May. The two parties have also begun repatriating the remains of fallen soldiers.

Although Trump recently called Putin “completely crazy” following deadly Russian strikes in Ukraine, his tone appears more restrained now. Notably, he made no mention of new sanctions against Russia—something Kyiv continues to press for.

Zelensky is now calling for a three-way summit with Putin and Trump, arguing that only a revised diplomatic format could break the deadlock and lead to meaningful progress beyond prisoner exchanges.